Umtiti header sends streetwise France into World Cup final

France vs Belgium: A 'Final Quality' Match | News

Herman Weaver
|
11 July, 2018, 08:52

In an enthralling, albeit highly tactical rather than incident-packed match, it was once again a set-piece that proved decisive with Umtiti's near-post header from an Antoine Griezmann corner settling matters.

Conversely Belgium were noticeably failing to emulate their first half form in the attacking third. France takes on its neighbors in Belgium, adding the weight of a rivalry to the already important match.

"It's been two years to try and understand these footballers, the human beings behind the footballers, and to try and get a group that shared the same ambition, not just to use the national team to improve their brand", Martinez told a news conference.

"What we didn't have is global experience, the knowhow of winning a World Cup and being expected to perform in front of the eyes of the world".

Belgium were pushing for a goal and France had to rely on a brilliant stop from Hugo Lloris after his Tottenham teammate Toby Alderweireld somehow got a shot off after a corner that was travelling into the top corner.

That stayed the case until France took the lead with a thunderous header from Barcelona centre-back, Samuel Umtiti.

"It's me that scored", Umtiti said, "but we all delivered a big game".

Tensions Escalate as US-China Trade Tariffs Take Effect
Products that the U.S. is now fighting trade disputes over include Argentinian textiles, India solar panels and European cheese. Trump has threatened to hit back with vehicle tariffs of 20%, which would be highly damaging for the German auto industry.

4 more boys rescued from Thai cave, bringing total to 8
The device could be used to rescue one boy at a time as it has space to fit in one person with his arms crossed, he said. Over the weekend, the Thai government successfully rescued four boys who had been trapped in the cave since June 23.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Belgian King Philippe watch the pre-match festivities in Saint Petersburg.

France sat back and looked to use the pace Mbappe on the counter attack but were nearly caught out as Hazard forced a wonderful tackle from Varane and Lloris had to beat away a vicious shot on the followup from Witsel.

In search of the equalizer, Belgium repeatedly sent over crosses from both wings but Umtiti and Varane used their bodies cleverly to hold off Fellaini and Lukaku. According to Odds Shark, oddsmaker Bovada had France's money-line odds at +150, while Belgium was at +200.

France came through their quarter-final unscathed, and Deschamps has his entire squad to choose from, while Belgium are only slightly worse off.

Yet while Hazard - Belgium's captain - faded after a strong opening 30 minutes, Mbappe was a constant threat. Lukaku had just 22 touches of the ball. With the win, Les Bleus have secured a ticket to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final in Moscow.

Whether he plays an attacking role or more defensively, De Bruyne is instrumental in directing Belgium with his awareness and swift passes.

Belgium manager Roberto Martinez: "It was a close game and it was very tight and it was going to be decided by that bit of luck in front of goal".

Well, they have to play a third-place playoff on Saturday, but they won't be world champions.

Recommended

He also spoke to Vice President Mike Pence and White House Counsel Don McGahn - who had subtly pushed Kavanaugh's candidacy. Bush said, while his brother, dubbed "low energy" Jeb by Trump during the 2016 campaign, also praised the pick on Twitter .

Johnson reportedly was more blunt, describing the plan as a "turd". "Now there is chaos", the paper said in its editorial. His resignation has been followed by that of Brexit ministers Steve Baker and Suella Braverman.

Unfortunately for fans, there's no word yet on exactly how Lando will appear in the upcoming movie or what role he'll have. Williams first played Lando in 1980's Empire Strikes Back and was seen again in 1983's Return of the Jedi.

Trump authorized an initial $50 billion in tariffs - including the $34 billion that took effect Friday - to match those losses. The tariffs could take effect after public consultations end on August 30, according to a statement from the U.S.

The Aviodrome aerospace theme park in the Netherlands said on its Facebook page that it was "hugely shocked" by the crash. He said: "Initial reports show that approximately 20 people had sustained injuries ranging from minor to critical".

Judge Kavanaugh recently voiced disagreement with a court decision allowing an undocumented teenage immigrant to have an abortion. Senate Republicans hold only a 51-49 majority, leaving them hardly any margin if Democrats hold the line.

This particularly narrow section is also further complicated by it being situated on a sharp upward bend in the passage. She believes the boys are still alive thanks to their coach. "To all the parents, all the kids are still fine".

A fellow judge there, Maryanne Trump Barry, one of the president's sisters, reportedly has recommended him to her brother. It wasn't just Supreme Court nominees who needed 60 votes - federal judges and cabinet secretaries needed them as well.

Mr Hunt was the longest-serving Health Secretary in British political history, having been appointed to the post in 2012. But as Foreign Secretary in May's government, he was prone to gaffes and criticized for not being on top of his brief.

Appleton believes Maguire will be key to England's fortunes again against Croatia , in both penalty boxes. I pray and I would give anything in the world that this squad eventually "confines us to history".

Elon Musk posted photos and video from inside the cave in Thailand where four boys and their soccer coach remain trapped. One diver was in front, holding an oxygen tank for the boy and another diver was behind ensuring the safety of the boy.

Friends of the Trinidad family set up a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral costs and Mary Rose's medical bills. "She knows. The passenger auto involved had one person inside who was taken to the hospital also with non-life threatening injuries.

President Trump Picks Brett Kavanaugh for Supreme Court
All four federal judges have the endorsement of major Republican legal groups, most importantly the powerful Federalist Society . John Kennedy of Louisiana said he was bracing for a tough confirmation battle as Democrats focus on abortion.

Here's what Susan Collins said about Trump's Supreme Court pick
Gorsuch's nomination became possible because McConnell blocked Obama's nomination of Merrick Garland to fill a vacancy in 2016. Bush , has been tapped to replace Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy , a longtime swing vote for whom Kavanaugh once clerked.

India eye top ODI spot in series against England
For support he had KL Rahul during a 41-run second-wicket stand and Kohli in an 81-run association for the third wicket. England's openers have gone hard at the bowlers from the start, while India have been far more circumspect.

Kane: We want to finish the job
The odds suggest it could be a close game and since 1998 precious few World Cup semifinals have been won by more than one goal. Mr McLaughlin predicts England will win Wednesday's match against Croatia 2-0 with Kane scoring "at least" one of the goals.

Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Real Madrid to join Juventus
In accordance with the request expressed by Cristiano Ronaldo , the club has agreed to a transfer deal with Juventus . Ronaldo won four Champions Leagues at Real but had a turbulent relationship with president Florentino Perez .

How to Watch France vs Belgium
France and Belgium have eliminated South America's three biggest nations, and confidence is sure to be running high in both camps. Chadli netted a dramatic stoppage-time victor in the round of 16 against Japan as Belgium came from two goals down to win 3-2.